Halcion

Halcion is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used for a short period (7 to 10 days) to treat insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep).

Halcion may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use Halcion in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel a stronger urge to use more of Halcion.

Never share this medicine with anyone else, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot access it. Selling or giving away this medicine is illegal.

Take this medicine only when you are preparing for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

Avoid using Halcion to prevent jet lag while flying.

Call your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after taking Halcion for 7 to 10 nights, or if you notice any changes in your mood or behavior. Insomnia can be a sign of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions.

Do not take Halcion for longer than 10 nights in a row, unless your doctor has instructed you to do so.

Do not stop using Halcion without consulting your doctor. You may experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

In the first few nights after stopping Halcion, your insomnia symptoms may return and could be worse than before.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can misuse it.

Halcion can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol.

MISUSE OF Halcion CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep this medicine where others cannot get to it.

Do not stop using Halcion without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

Get medical help right away if you stop using Halcion and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs should not be used with Halcion.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to Halcion or similar medicines (like alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, Valium, Xanax, Versed, Klonopin, and others).

Some drugs should not be used with Halcion. Your treatment plan may change if you also use:

• nefazodone;
• cancer medicine;
• an antibiotic or antifungal medicine; or
• antiviral medicine to treat HIV or hepatitis C.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts or actions;
• lung disease, breathing problems, sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); or
• alcoholism or drug addiction.

If you use Halcion during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms and may need medical treatment for several weeks.

You should not breastfeed within 28 hours after using Halcion. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out the milk and do not feed it to your baby.

If you do breastfeed, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness, breathing problems, or feeding problems in the nursing baby.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Halcion can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue-colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Halcion may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• daytime anxiety;
• unusual changes in mood or behavior;
• confusion, memory loss, agitation, hallucinations; or
• depression, suicidal thoughts.

Some people using Halcion have engaged in activities such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later have no memory of the activity. Tell your doctor if this happens to you.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Common side effects of Halcion may include:

• drowsiness;
• loss of coordination;
• dizziness; or
• feeling light-headed.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Halcion is taken as needed. If you are following a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Taking too much triazolam can be deadly, especially if you mix it with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing.

Signs of an overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, loss of coordination, weak or shallow breathing, or coma.

Do not drink alcohol. It could cause dangerous side effects or death.

You might still feel sleepy the morning after taking Halcion. Make sure you are fully awake before driving, using machinery, or doing anything that requires you to be alert. Your reactions may be affected.

Grapefruit can interact with Halcion and cause unwanted side effects. Stay away from grapefruit products.

Using Halcion with other medications that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can lead to serious side effects or even death. Consult your doctor before taking opioid medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety or seizures.

Many medications can interact with Halcion, and some should not be taken together. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are included here.